Quality Hardware - bolt not closing

[DaveHH]

on a corresponding shelf in the extractor. As Bill has suggested, the plunger may be turned or disfigured and not be resting where it is supposed to be. It is not uncommon to see it assembled incorrectly and you may need to dress the shelf and plunger with a small file to get it right. It looks like the extractor is being pushed far too much and of course will absolutely refuse to jump onto the cartridge rim if too much pressure is applied via the plunger. I'd sure take it apart and clean out the crud, that in itself may cure your issue.

[Bill Hollinger]

Does the extractor move freely and compress the plunder?

[Mike]

Hi, this was previously posted by the Duke. It's my favorite picture . I like it so much I'm going to give it out as Christmas cards. Hats off to the Duke. Regards,Mike What causes a bolt to come apart after being fired? - Military Surplus Collectors Forums

[gunsmith II]

Does the extractor move freely and compress the plunder?

The Extractor is "froze" as illustrated in the attached jpeg.

I think I remember someone writing on a November 29 post ( now lost in cyber space) to take a ink pen and try pushing on the "plunger"?

But who ever the author was has not reposted for a follow up.

[Bill Hollinger]

There is your problem then. Pull it apart, get 'er fixed and get 'er back on the road!

[gunsmith II]

There is your problem then. Pull it apart, get 'er fixed and get 'er back on the road!

A thank you to all for comments.... the carbine is heading towards the work bench next weekend for my first work on a M-1A ( other than cleaning )

[Bill Hollinger]

Cool!!!

[gunsmith II]

It won't "require" a bolt tool but using one will go a long way toward preserving your sanity.....

Excellent suggestion

I have a lot of respect for a soldier in the field trying to fix an extractor on a winter day in Europe with his hands numbed from the cold. After several days of attempting, becoming , walking away from the bench only to return later to try again, the "bolt " now has a working extractor.

Question, did soldiers and officers carry a "bolt tool " with them in the field or just acquire another weapon?

.

[Bruce McAskill]

The bolt tool would not have been standard issue for a GI. It was rear maintenance only so a GI would have grabbed another rifle as there was no way for him to fix it even if he knew how.

[DaveHH]

the extractor appears to be pushed out from the bolt body. It is supposed to be fully seated flush with the bolt. The extractor appears to be sitting too far up and this makes the case rim/extractor fit up a problem.